Meet Rotem!
Introducing the multifaceted talent, Rotem @rotemitz from Tel Aviv. Not only does she helm her own womenswear brand and digital fashion design studio, but her work in AI stands out with its minimalistic and clean elegance. Drawing inspiration from modern and contemporary art, Rotem ventures fearlessly into various mediums within fashion design, producing hyper-realistic images imbued with artistic flair. Her chic fashion sensibilities, combined with AI-generated photos, offer a serene immersion into subtle hues, invoking calm and appreciation.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got interested in AI art?
My name is Rotem Goeta. I am a fashion designer and a co-founder of Future Positive, together with my partner Nir. I graduated from Shenkar College and have been working in the fashion industry for more than 10 years. In 2014, Nir and I established our own womenswear brand, HANNAH. We began exploring digital fashion almost 3 years ago, at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, when our shop and studio were closed. We had to find new solutions for our business. After being exposed to all the amazing possibilities of designing with 3D software, it was truly life-changing. We digitized all the collections of our physical brand, created virtual campaigns, and after a few months, we started designing more experimental collections. That's how Future Positive was born. Future Positive is a digital fashion brand and design studio. At Future Positive, we are exploring the intersection between fashion and technology to bring innovative and sustainable ways to redefine the future of fashion and build the digital wardrobe for the Metaverse. We began delving into the use of AI a year ago, and since then, we have been incorporating AI into our creative workflow — from finding inspiration to creating sketches — in order to shape the entire creative direction for our collections.
Who or what are your artistic inspirations, and how do they influence your work?
In my AI creations, I draw most of my inspiration from modern and contemporary art, as well as fashion photography. My constant endeavor is to craft hyper-realistic images infused with artistic vibes, akin to a parallel universe where endless possibilities unfold.
How do you approach the creative process when working with AI?
In my creative process, I delve into the intricate relationship between art, fashion, and technology, unveiling the endless possibilities that arise when human creativity meets the power of artificial intelligence. My primary tools include Midjourney, Stable diffusion, chat GPT and Photoshop's new generative tool for editing. Among these, Midjourney stands out as exceptionally effective, as it not only conjures hyper-realistic imagery but also pushes the boundaries of human imagination. With the latest editing enhancements like zooming out and inpainting, Midjourney has become even more potent. Working with AI eradicates creative blocks. Commencing with a simple notion, a piece of text, or an image reference, the process floods me with fresh ideas and pathways. The challenge lies not in generating content but in selecting from the plethora of concepts that arise. The most remarkable aspect is that while in the past, we used to spend several months in our studio refining creative directions, with AI, this process now merely takes a couple of days.
How do you balance your work in AI art with other professional or personal pursuits?
Balancing between work and my family isn't easy, but incorporating AI into my workflow has made it more manageable. I primarily use my tablet or phone, enabling me to engage anytime and anywhere, particularly during my free evenings. There are moments when I find myself engrossed in generating images for hours, instead of watching Netflix...
How has working with AI in art influenced your mental and emotional wellbeing?
I find the process of generating images to be inherently therapeutic. However, working with AI introduces a unique challenge: the fear of missing out (FOMO), as new features or software emerge daily, making it genuinely difficult to keep up with all the updates.
If you could collaborate with any artist, living or not, who would it be and why?
The list is long, but currently, I am deeply drawn to and inspired by the artist David Hockney. His profound impact on me emanates from his unique approach to color, composition, and his portrayal of humanity within his works. What truly captivates me is his exceptional ability to compose his images. Each piece feels meticulously orchestrated, inviting viewers to step into his world and explore the narrative he weaves through every stroke of his brush. The human presence in his works is palpable, revealing a genuine connection he forges between his subjects and the audience. It's as if he invites us to share in the human experience he captures so brilliantly. Hockney's forward-thinking nature is another facet of his artistry that resonates deeply with me. His willingness to embrace new technologies and techniques, such as his current exploration of AI in his creations, speaks to his continuous quest for innovation and pushing artistic boundaries. The fact that he is creating new AI-assisted work for the Glastonbury Festival, premiering across video screens, is a testament to his unwavering relevance and adaptability. His ongoing exploration of new horizons only solidifies his status as a true visionary.
What advice or encouragement would you give to aspiring women who are interested in pursuing AI art?
My advice is always to explore new possibilities and not be afraid of the unknown.
For more of Rotem’s incredible work, make sure to visit her Instagram account: @rotemitz